‘Contract Marriage’, released across 16 cinema halls on Friday following a High Court decision that temporarily halted a certification suspension, has reportedly failed to sell a single ticket at one of its key venues, K-Screen in Cumilla, according to hall officials on Saturday.
The film, directed by Hasan Jahangir and previously facing uncertainty over its certification status, was initially set for release on May 16 before its approval was suspended by the Bangladesh Film Certification Board on May 15. The decision came after a written complaint submitted by actress Jeba Jannat to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The suspension was later challenged through a writ petition filed by the film’s director, and the High Court on May 21 ordered a stay on the decision, clearing the way for its theatrical release across the country.
Despite opening in 16 theatres, the film has struggled to draw audiences. At K-Screen in Cumilla, the only cineplex among the listed venues, three shows were held on Friday, with two more scheduled on Saturday, but no tickets had been sold, according to the hall management.
Aminul Islam, the manager of the cinema hall, said the response had been disappointing. “No tickets were sold for any of the three shows on Friday. The situation is the same even this morning. There is a show this evening as well, but we are not hopeful. It is disappointing,” he said.
The film has been surrounded by controversy in recent weeks. Actress Moushumi had earlier raised concerns, stating that the production was not a conventional film and that parts were shot in the US under the pretext of a drama project.
Following her remarks, Jeba Jannat also raised objections, claiming she was unaware of her appearance in the film despite being featured on its poster. She further stated that she had not acted in any film or drama under the title Contract Marriage and lodged formal complaints with the certification board and other industry organisations, including Actors Equity.
Actor Siam Mirdha also posted allegations on social media, suggesting that portions of the film were created using material originally intended for a television serial.
